Brass bands have also been a major part of commemorations since they began, and 2008 was no exception with bands featured in several high profile events with media coverage.

In New Zealand

For example, in New Zealand The Trusts Waitakere City Brass, featured in the live broadcast on TV One of the Dawn Ceremony at the Waikumate Cemetary, which has graves for over 10,000 War Veterans.

With all day coverage on several channels and radio we heard other bands from throughout Australia and New Zealand.

On Radio New Zealand Concert, the John Ritchie composition Gallipol Voices, which has the Woolston Band under Graham Hickman taking a major part along with the Christchurch Symphony and Baritone Chris Bruerton, was featured. The Narrator was John Ritchie.

The 1953 National Band of New Zealand got a spot on Radio New Zealand National playing Kiwi on Parade (Francis).

Around the world

In addition, this week the NZ and Australian Army Bands were featured in different events at opposite ends of the globe.

A small contingent of players were in Gallipoli to assist with the commemorations along with thousands of other Aussies and Kiwis.

Amongst the players was Brenton Burley, a cornet player with Footscray Yarraville, who played the dawn service bugle call at Gallipoli this year.

Time with Jim

Meanwhile back in Auckland the remaining band members were visiting Jim Carson who was the original band master that set up this fine group of internationally renowned musicians in the 1960's. A NZ Army band spokesperson said: "He turned basic infantrymen into fine musicians that have gone onto world acclaim".

Jim is ill with Cancer and the band was conducted by him for one number.

In Australia

Australian Navy Musician and current National Soprano Champion, Marcus Salone, was featured across Australia as the bugler in the pre-match lead-up to the Anzac Day NRL match.